Tools and Materials

Tools

French Press Pot
Kettle or Vessel
Coffee Grinder

Materials

Water
Coarsely Ground Coffee

What is a French Press:

A French press is a manual coffee-making device. It involves immersing coffee grounds in hot water and letting them brew. The French press has a mesh plunger that separates the grounds from the brewed coffee.

The Best Coffee to French Press:

Use Freshly Roasted Beans

Always go for freshly roasted coffee beans when making French press coffee. Fresh beans bring out a deeper, more vibrant flavor that you can taste with every sip. Medium and dark roasts usually work best because they give you that rich, full-bodied taste French press coffee is famous for.

Grind Just Before Brewing

Grinding your coffee beans right before brewing helps to lock in the flavor. Pre-ground coffee loses its freshness quickly, which affects the taste. It might take you an extra minute, but freshly ground beans make a noticeable difference in the aroma and flavor of your coffee. It’s a small step that elevates your cup to the next level.

Use a Coarse Grind

Make sure to grind your beans coarsely for the French press. The texture should be similar to coarse sugar or sand, which helps to avoid a bitter or gritty brew. Using a burr grinder is the best way to ensure an even grind and consistent flavor. If you're using pre-ground coffee, steer clear of anything ground for espresso—it’s too fine and will ruin the experience.

How To French Press Coffee:

To make French press coffee, it is very easy to follow these steps.

Pour a small amount of the hot water over the coffee grounds and gently stir with a chopstick and, cover the press and allow it to sit for 30 seconds. This process, called blooming, allows carbon dioxide trapped in the coffee to escape. This is important because when the gases are released, it enhances the extraction of flavors, resulting in a richer and more aromatic cup of coffee escaping, enhancing flavor extraction.

Coffee to Water Ratio

To make great French press coffee, it's essential to use the right amount of coffee and water. The basic rule of thumb is to use 1 part coffee to 15 parts water. This means that for every 1 gram of coffee, you should use 15 grams of water.

Example: If you have 30 grams of coffee, use 450 grams of water. This ratio ensures that your coffee has just the right strength and flavor.

Adjusting for Taste:

If you prefer your coffee stronger, you can add more coffee grounds compared to the amount of water. This will make the coffee taste bolder and more intense. For example, try using a ratio of 1 part coffee to 14 parts water (1:14) or even 1 part coffee to 13 parts water (1:13).
If you like your coffee to taste milder and more diluted, you can add more water relative to the amount of coffee. This will make the coffee taste lighter. For instance, you can use a ratio of 1 part coffee to 16 parts water (1:16) or even 1 part coffee to 17 parts water (1:17). This means if you normally use 30 grams of coffee, try using the same amount of coffee but a bit more water, around 480 grams for a 1:16 ratio.

By keeping this balance and adjusting the ratio according to your taste preferences, you'll ensure that your French press coffee is delicious every time. Finding your ideal coffee-to-water ratio may take a bit of experimentation, but it's worth the effort for a perfect cup of coffee.

How to French Press Coffee